How Many Hours Is Full-Time vs. Part-Time

In high school, I worked for Winfrey's Candy Store. I worked three hours a night, on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Needless to say, I understood it was part-time.

But distinguishing the difference between full-time and part-time hours isn't always easy. For instance, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) says, "This is a matter generally to be determined by the employer."

If you're an employee, it's critical you know whether you're working full-time or part-time. The classification has major implications, including your options for health insurance, how much paid time-off you get, and whether you're eligible for childcare reimbursement.

It's equally critical to distinguish the difference if you're an employer -- failing to properly label your employees as full-time or part-time could result in fines or penalties.

To learn how many hours full-time versus part-time is, keep reading.

How many hours is full-time?

Full-time typically ranges between 32 and 40 hours per week, but is ultimately up to your employer. If you work within this range, you should be eligible for the company's full-time benefits. More specifically, the IRS defines a full-time employee as anyone who averages 30 hours per week, or 130 hours per month.

How many hours is part-time?

If you work less than 30 hours a week, you are likely classified as a part-time employee, although it's up to your employer to determine the exact number of hours required to be part-time. If you are part-time, you are likely ineligible for any of the company's benefits.